ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
General Chairs:
Bryan Hanson (Executive Vice President and Chief Generation Officer, Constellation)
Dr. Kirsten Laurin-Kovitz (Associated Laboratory Director for Nuclear Technologies and National Security, Argonne National Laboratory)
Technical Program Chair:
Elia Merzari (Penn State)
Assistant Program Chairs:
Dillon Shaver (ANL)
Emily Shemon (ANL)
Vaibhav Sinha (Ohio State)
Student Program Cochairs:
Mariana Guido (University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez)
Carolina Da Silva Bourdot Dutra (Penn State)
If you have a question or suggestion, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help! Please send us an email and someone will get back to you within 24 hours of your email.
Questions relating to conference (General): conferences@ans.org
Questions relating to conference registration: registrar@ans.org
Questions relating to ANS membership: members@ans.org
Respectful Behavior Policy
ANS Code of Ethics
